Evaluation and Chemometric Analysis of the Mineral Profile of Locally Prepared Soups in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Minerals areindispensable part of a complete diet for humans. This study was conducted to evaluate the presence of five of these minerals; three essential minerals (Sodium, Calcium, and Potassium), two trace minerals (Iron, and Copper) and a toxic metal (Lead) present in local soups in Minna, Niger State. The samples were purchased locally in triplicates from restaurants in Minna, Niger State. The soups were homogenized, weighed, dried, and then digested with proportionatecombinations of HNO3,H2O2and de-ionizedwater.Theelements were determined usingAtomic Absorptionand Flame Emission Spectrophotometers.Microsoft Excel and MATLAB/PLS tool boxsoftware were used for Chemometricsanalysis.Results indicate that Dahyenkubewaand Miyanyakuwahave prominent contentof studied elementswith relative higher values making them good source ofessential mineral elements. The average concentrations of Na, K, Ca, Cu and Fe were respectively found within the ranges of 6.12–6.14, 0.67-8.68, 4.84-45.30, 0.00-0.008 and 0.06-0.014mgg-1. The valuesof the element expressed per serving dishes of the sampleswere appreciable relative to recommended daily intakes. This implies that the foods can be relevant in the management of Mineral Deficiency Diseases (MDD). Fe and Cu were below the toxic limit and lead was not detectable. The foods were found to be generally safe for consumption. Correlation analysisshowed that Na and Ca orKas well as Fe and Cuhave highcorrelation. These elements therefore constitute the unique element signature of the local soups in Minna. The Hierarchical Cluster Analysis ofthe mineral content data revealedtwo close substitute food pairs: Miyanyakuwaand Danyenkubewaas well as Miyankuka and Miyankarkashi. The result implies that in cases of unavailability or scarcity of one of the pairs,the otherpaired foodcan be consumed. The paired foods haveequivalent mineral content. ThePrincipal Component Analysis loading-score biplot indicated that Miyanyakuwa,Danyenkubewa. Miyanagushi and Miyantausheare calcium, sodium, and potassium rich soups. The result also reveals that Jan miya is relativelyrich in copperand iron..Miyankukaand MiyanKarkashiparticularly have lower concentration of elements.Key words:Minerals, local soups, Minna, chemometrics, Mineral Deficiency Diseases1.0 INTRODUCTIONFood is any edible substance, which could be plant or animal that contains nutritive components which when ingested and digested can sustain life, provide growth and maintain the health of the body generally[1 -4].Soups are foods in form of liquid. It could be served cold or hot depending on the types. Most foods contain ingredients such as meat, fish, vegetables with appropriate salt and sauces to taste [5 -8]. Soups like food areessential for growth and development of strong muscles, teeth and bones and repair of worn out tissues, it keeps the body warm and provides energy, and helps in fighting diseases. Food also helps the brain to grow and function properly.Mineral content of foods are essential. They have been found to be helpful in relieving insomnia[9].They also help in improving dental health [10, 11]act as supporters in boosting the immune system [12] and prevent muscle cramps and prevent muscle sickness such as Nutritional Muscular Dystrophy; which is a disease caused by deficiency of Selenium and Vitamin E in dietary intake [13], some minerals reduce tension in the blood vessels and ensure proper distribution of oxygen to the vital organs in the body.